tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post7668919135576091180..comments2023-11-02T06:51:05.652-04:00Comments on Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta.: Me First or Country First? It's about the Deficit.Matthew S. Urdanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15423237354496730048noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-46317348879304586802008-09-10T02:35:00.000-04:002008-09-10T02:35:00.000-04:00No harm Matt, and I certainly accept your apology....No harm Matt, and I certainly accept your apology. The overall discourse is far greater than either of these politicians. Let me say to you what John McCain has said about Obama, "there is far more that unites us than divides us. <BR/><BR/>Whomever gets elected, we all will have to live with their governing of this country. That will be when we turn to the "real" Messiah.Sheliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00280487267612661372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-39205263631039373642008-09-09T10:45:00.000-04:002008-09-09T10:45:00.000-04:00Hey Matt,There is quite a bit to comment on. Here ...Hey Matt,<BR/><BR/>There is quite a bit to comment on. Here is an early statement that really hits the point.<BR/><BR/>* In a democracy, it is incumbent on all its citizens to stay abreast of the issues that affect the country so that they can speak out and keep our politicians in check and vote intelligently on election day.<BR/><BR/>This was a most important statement. For true effect, however, politicians would need to have been kept in check prior to our reaching this point. This truth does not solve the problem, however. I think that a valid question is: How do you, me, and/or others encourage others to get involved in a substantial way? <BR/><BR/>Most news shows give more precedence to the 'who's winning today' aspect of politics than the issues at hand. Much more precedence. And... And these people know exactly what they are doing. They are trading intelligent discussion for ratings at the cost of public ignorance. As you do to some extent, I blame the media for at least some of our current problem, though I don't believe this was the desired outcome while 24 hour news shows were in development.<BR/><BR/>For the record, I plan to add the US National Debt Clock to my blog permanently and (somehow) persuade others to do the same.<BR/><BR/>Though you know my feelings on Sarah Palin, I feel compelled to add that most large cities in the United States present different problems and populations far larger than than she confronted with her executive experience. I don't disagree with her selection solely on this basis, but here, 'executive experience' seems more of a buzzword (phrase).<BR/><BR/>Have a good one...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-60213937709737316772008-09-09T10:03:00.000-04:002008-09-09T10:03:00.000-04:00Shelia--I don't believe John McCain is "the" answe...Shelia--I don't believe John McCain is "the" answer. Far from it. I don't think either candidate is the answer. But after looking at their positions as explained on their websites, and after spending a lot of time reading their writings and looking at their records, I think McCain is best positioned to lead our country through the next four years of the two candidates that made it through the primary process. I would have been much more excited about Hillary Clinton. I would have been much more excited about Mitt Romney. But ultimately, I would have been much more excited about someone who has chosen not to run...someone like a Lee Iacoca, or a Michael Bloomberg or someone with a no-nonsense, get it done attitude. I've often joked that Madonna, as a business woman, would make a better President than a lot of our candidates who run for office.<BR/><BR/>I apologize for my rhetoric if it has insulted you in any way. I don't try to insult people as a rule. I accept responsibility for using the term Messiah inappropriately. This post was as much a post for my family members as it was for the blogosphere, and I admit I'm guilty of a bit of exaggeration; even as the language has been much toned down from family discussions. I am guilty of using the term "Messiah" the same way comedians use the word "Nazi" as in "Soup Nazi", and for that I apologize.<BR/><BR/>Further, I am well aware that are a great many intelligent Americans out there such as yourself and your family and other bloggers here on EntreCard and elsewhere who don't buy what the news is feeding us. But there are so many more that do. Every where I have lived--from Detroit to Columbus to Indianapolis to Akron and Marietta Ohio and now to Western North Carolina--people have the same arguments with the same reasoning as what is reported by the talking heads on television. It all depends who they like.<BR/><BR/>The biggest proof of this is all the congressmen and congresswomen who line up to tote the party line on these news broadcasts. They all say the same thing and repeat the talking points from their party. They are repeated in speeches across the nation. They are repeated in emails sent to their constituents. It's sickening. My family, all across the country, repeat these talking points and my family is pretty darn intelligent and activist. My grandfather was president of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy and stood up to Governor Romney in Michigan in the 50s. We learned to think and to engage and to participate, yet somehow, somewhere along the line, we've been absorbed by the two party system as well. This year, it's the same old story and I've broken out of the mold. I can't abide by party lines anymore. Politics is being reduced to childishness in so many ways.<BR/><BR/>All this being said, I never meant to insult others for their beliefs or to fit everyone in the same jar. I know America is too diverse and that Americans resist being labeled and we are far too nuanced for that. But I did mean to shake up the political thought and to make my readers look at and evaluate where they stand and why.<BR/><BR/>I don't believe either Barack Obama or John McCain will be the leader any of us want. I think what remains clear is that our country will remain as divided as ever after this election cycle. It's our two-party system pitting American against American one more time.<BR/><BR/>I have only come to the conclusion that John McCain represents the lesser of two evils.<BR/><BR/>I really respect your opinion and your views Shelia, and I am sorry if I offended or insulted you in any way.Matthew S. Urdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15423237354496730048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-6166162181617783852008-09-09T09:46:00.000-04:002008-09-09T09:46:00.000-04:00Jean-thanks for your comments. Definitely the pro...Jean-thanks for your comments. Definitely the process seems a lot simpler in Canada and you definitely have a lot more choice. I really believe our two party system is broken and rarely can we choose. Our election process used to be different. Originally, all those running for president would have their names on the ballot. The top vote getter would become President. The second vote getter would become Vice President. I like that idea. Our two-party system forces us to choose the lesser of two evils and our primary system, as has been demonstrated this political season, clearly can be manipulated.<BR/><BR/>I agree there is way too much time to think. Everyone should be able to have time to evaluate a candidate, but there should be a season of focus, and a season of inquiry and a season of debate and then go to the polls. Our current system just seems like one long popularity contest.<BR/><BR/>Matt--Thanks for the validation and your insightful comments as usual. There are thinkers out there, but our news broadcasts are more like entertainment shows these days to grab ratings rather than to report news with gravitas like our reporters of old. I don't like the new confrontational style. There's respect missing while the pundits are in many cases just mouthpieces for the candidates or the political parties. It would be nice if those we elect to office had a backbone and could speak their own mind, even when it goes against the views of the party.<BR/><BR/>Couchmouse--I don't believe McCain is the answer. But after looking at both his issue positions and Obama's on their respective websites, I think McCain's plan is more credible. I know Bush really screwed it all up, but Obama just sat back and let it happen and to that extent he is equally to blame. In 2006 Obama gave a speech saying the deficit was the biggest issue facing us and would cripple our society and enslave our children and grandchildren. So what has he done the last two years about the deficit? Nothing! He's been waiting until he gets elected President as we've added almost 2 trillion dollars to the debt. That's not leadership. That's a man out for himself and his own agenda. I can't trust him to solve our nation's issues when everything he has done since he was introduced on the National Stage 4 years ago at the DNC has been calculated to position him for his run for the Whitehouse. That's seeking office for the wrong reasons. He needs to earn our trust by working for the people he represents first. Not using his time in the senate to write two memoirs, vote present, and spend half his time running for President. That's not fair to the people of Illinois, and I think it's indicative of what we would get should he be elected to the White House.Matthew S. Urdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15423237354496730048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-16657072443867624092008-09-09T00:44:00.000-04:002008-09-09T00:44:00.000-04:00Well Matt, this is a well crafted post, and your b...Well Matt, this is a well crafted post, and your belief that John McCain is the answer bleeds through very well. I don't have a single argument because that is what you believe. Although I am slightly insulted that you have bought into the rhetoric that those of us who seek to elect Obama see him as the "Messiah."<BR/><BR/>I believe in God and a risen Christ. I'm not at all mistaken at where my salvation comes from. <BR/><BR/>I think that you are very wrong though about the masses being spoon fed their belief systems by the news. I don't think that half of them even watch the news! They're too busy watching all of those other shows that you mentioned.<BR/><BR/>My family and a lot of our friends sit down and share specific print stories because we purposely don't watch the news with regard to politics. We have long deemed our perspective based upon our life experience in this country as far more valid than someone reading a teleprompter.<BR/><BR/>As our individual lives and experiences inform our decision, we look for someone to lead the country that we believe will operate from somewhere within that perspective. I have no question in my mind that, that is not John McCain.<BR/><BR/>I don't believe your vision of what McCain will do for and bring to the people of this country...but I respect that, that is your choice.Sheliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00280487267612661372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-64924383511337964352008-09-08T23:30:00.000-04:002008-09-08T23:30:00.000-04:00If you are voting the deficit and think McCain is ...If you are voting the deficit and think McCain is the answer, you are sorely mistaken. Bush in 2000 campaigned on almost precisely what McCain is promising today, and look where we are. 6 of the last 8 years had the Republicans in control of both the WH and congress and look at the mess. The ONLY surplus this country has had in recent history has been under a Democrat... Clinton. I have been a voting republican for 39 years and am sorry I helped put Bush in the WH. I can absolutely guarantee you a McCain administration will make Bush look like he was actually competent. McCain has been around a long time but he does not have the judgment or temperament to lead that this country needs at this time in it's history.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-16971047706149610082008-09-08T22:00:00.000-04:002008-09-08T22:00:00.000-04:00Matt, well there's thirty-five minutes I'll never ...Matt, well there's thirty-five minutes I'll never get back! Just kidding. First, I would like to compliment you on an extremely well thought out, intelligent and sensible post. It clearly took a lot of thought and effort to produce. I especially like how you backed up your arguments with facts and wise old quotes (that more people should read). I have said until I am blue in the face that all I wish for is that people take the time to do their own research before believing what they hear on their favorite news program. The laziness of people in this country sickens me, especially every time I hear someone quote, almost verbatim, something they heard from a pundit on television when the quote is easily proven to be wrong or an outright lie. How can people who, obviously, care so much about who gets elected to run this country not care enough to do their own research in order to make an educated decision? I'll never understand it.<BR/><BR/>As for your cousin, I sat in shock the whole time I read your article because she was berating you and other less informed voters than herself for not doing their own research and for listening only to the media, when it was so painfully clear that this is exactly what she has done. She repeated the left wing "party line" to perfection. She said, "What bothers me is public willingness to just blindly follow the newsbites and the short blurbs, to just accept what they are told and not question this." Holy cow, are there no mirrors in her house? She needs to look into one immediately because she might not like what she sees (according to her own words here). And some of the comments she made about McCain, Palin and Republicans in general is very disturbing. I'm afraid I don't see a future where people can disagree on politics but still get along for this very reason. The attacks coming from the left are getting ever more vicious and uncalled for. Do you notice that these kinds of attacks almost only ever come from the left? Not just typical political attacks, but vicious personal attacks? Sad. Is it any wonder why people like me will NEVER have anything to do with their party (no matter who their candidate is)as long as they have this kind o attitude?<BR/><BR/>Awesome job, Matt. I hope many people will take the time to read this post.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00994185648078518634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-56418258460007520262008-09-08T18:46:00.000-04:002008-09-08T18:46:00.000-04:00Wow Matt, longest post I've ever read too! If I wa...Wow Matt, longest post I've ever read too! If I was American, I'd probably vote Republican. I really think the American political system should include more parties, not just the Democrats and Republicans. Here in Canada, we have 5 major parties and many smaller ones (who never get a member elected). If it had more choice, it would give more people the opportunity to run and it would be more democratic. When is the last time a Independent candidate was elected as President? Never! The two-party system is almost as bad as the dictatorships in the communist countries around the world, where there's one or no choice. I also find that the process drags on forever! Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called an election and we'll be at the polls and finished our election before Americans ever hit the polls!SizzlingPopcorn.com Adminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00548493677274217445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-84344752604840119732008-09-08T16:17:00.000-04:002008-09-08T16:17:00.000-04:00First of all when the current president toook over...First of all when the current president toook over he was given a country that was out of debt and had a surplus. now this country in in the red to the tune of trillions of dollars.<BR/>This being said The Republican Party had the BALLS TO BLAME THE DEMOCRATES FOR THIS????????<BR/>They complaint that the tax and spend policy of the Democratic party will cause huge deficits<BR/>NEWS FLASH YOUR REPUBLICANS HAVE CAUSED THAT ONE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY DO NOT SPEND LIKE THERE IS NO TOMARROW. THE PEB CALL THEMSELVES THE PEOPLES PARTY THIS IS TRUE THEY ARE THE RICH PEOPLES AND CORPORATIONS PARTY.Mike Golchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14472496241893921107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-24549074662878539982008-09-08T14:15:00.000-04:002008-09-08T14:15:00.000-04:00Tasha--Thanks for your comments, your kind words, ...Tasha--Thanks for your comments, your kind words, and the validation...as always, your support of my blogging in all its forms is greatly appreciated!<BR/><BR/>Doug--Thank you very much for your comments!<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't describe my post as exactly "unhappy". Although, I'm definitely unhappy with the choice in this election and I'm incredibly unhappy with the media reporting and the way they are trying to force feed the public with no real insight. And I'm outraged that so many brilliant minds aren't doing any thinking for themselves but instead are just touting the party line and the words of the political surrogates.<BR/><BR/>Our country deserves a lot better than that.Matthew S. Urdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15423237354496730048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-57243628735750753962008-09-08T13:26:00.000-04:002008-09-08T13:26:00.000-04:00This is, without a doubt, the longest single post ...This is, without a doubt, the longest single post I have ever read. The fact that I read the entire thing speaks volumes. You are the most perceptive and unhappy analyst I have found on the web. "None of the Above" would be my choice in this election. I really wish the country had direct popular election of the president, along with a viable multi-party system. Thanks for giving me some non-MSNBC commentary to chew on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-8071804829269120182008-09-08T12:58:00.000-04:002008-09-08T12:58:00.000-04:00Wow! It's quite a long read, but a very interestin...Wow! It's quite a long read, but a very interesting, informative, and entertaining read. I like the way you presented your talking points and your arguments line by line. This post is written and handled in a very fair way. Whoever is Rachel, you certainly answered her comments in a fair and balanced, non-condescending way. <BR/><BR/>My husband's family back east also differs from our political affiliation. The family votes strictly on party lines and not on the person or the substance of the candidates' platform. So sad. We've learned long ago not to discuss politics with friends and family members who do not agree with ours. I vote mostly on what I believe in, which so happens to fall mostly within the Republican platforms. However, I don't vote strictly on party lines. I have voted for Democrats when I believed that the Democrats are better qualified than the Republicans for the offices they're running for. <BR/><BR/>This reminds me, the people who don't know my political party affiliation often times express shock that for someone who's a woman and someone from a minority group is not a Democrat! They're almost appalled that I'm not a Democrat! I must be a maverick also because all of my husband's family members back east are staunch Democrats when I joined his family. They still are. We love one another very much, so we steer away from politics if possible. <BR/><BR/>This is an excellent post, and I'm going to Digg it and hopefully be able to Buzz it properly this time. Have a great week.tashabudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17707659728810975773noreply@blogger.com